How small modular reactors work and why they matter in AI energy surge

The article discusses the rapidly increasing electricity demand from data centers driven by artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, which is projected to grow about 15% annually through 2030, far outpacing other sectors. This surge has intensified the search for stable, carbon-free power sources in the U.S., with nuclear energy gaining renewed attention. Among nuclear options, small modular reactors (SMRs) are highlighted as promising due to their smaller size, factory-based manufacturing, and ability to be sited closer to energy consumers, reducing transmission losses. Over 80 SMR designs are in development globally, with some near-term deployable models expected to begin construction before 2030 and commercial operation by the mid-2030s. However, long-term radioactive waste management plans remain unresolved. SMRs occupy a middle ground between large conventional nuclear reactors and microreactors, typically producing up to 300 megawatts of electricity from reactor cores about 3 meters wide and 6 meters tall, on sites around